SPHL Expanding to Birmingham, AL for 2017-2018 Season

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) today announced its Board of Governors has unanimously approved the Birmingham Bulls as a new member for the 2017-2018 season.

The team will be headed by Art Clarkson, who owned the original Birmingham Bulls (ECHL) for six seasons in the 1990’s and has significant experience operating minor-league sports franchises. The Bulls will be playing at the Pelham Civic Complex Ice Arena, which is currently undergoing significant upgrades and seating expansion to accommodate the new team.

“We are excited to welcome the Birmingham market as a new member for next season,” stated SPHL President Jim Combs. “Art Clarkson is well-known for his contributions to hockey in this area and we look forward to bringing hockey back to long-time fans of the Birmingham Bulls.”

“I am very proud of what we have accomplished in this last year to bring the Birmingham Bulls back to the people of the greater Birmingham area,” added Clarkson.

“It will be great to have professional hockey again and an additional entertainment option that will be very convenient for so many people,” said Pelham City Council President Rick Hayes.

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), now completing its 13th season, currently has ten teams:

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